It started on a family day out in Blackpool, when I must have been about eight.
I saw a person. I cant even remember if they were male or female, but I remember their jacket. It was black, a bit biker’ish, and had fringing across the upper back and down the arms.
It was the late eighties and bands such as INXS and U2 were in their heyday and totally wearing stuff like this. But I’d never seen one in real life until that point. At that point, it was real and something I could actually own myself.
Fast forward nearly twenty years and have I got a fringed jacket? The short answer is no, not one that would fit me.
The long answer is I did pick up a vintage suede brown one from a car boot sale, but would you believe it was child size. So for £2 I bought it and lived vicariously through my eldest who was doing a good job of channelling Stevie Nicks circa late 70s, early 80s at the time.
Just lately I’ve been really considering stuff in my wardrobe and the amount of clothes I have (more on this in another post) but I began to think of the pieces I’d always wanted but never had. The fringed jacket was the top of my list.
I’d also seen The Edge from U2 wearing a fantastic version at a gig in London last year- which rekindled my love for this, probably impractical, look.
Top of my list is this AMAZING jacket from Free People, a brand I’d not been tuned into before but they’ve switched me on big time with this perfect rock n roll (I’m with the band) fringed jacket. The stars across the shoulders and on the elbows are a detail that just elevates this jacket to iconic status for me.
You can probably tell I’m drooling as I type, but sadly at £600 it is way out of my budget. But you’ll totally know if I’ve won the lottery as I’d buy this and then probably wouldn’t take it off.
Clearly I need to do some research and find some alternatives, something more in my budget.
I’ve found four so far that I like, maybe not quite as much as the Free People one above. I’ll have to start looking on eBay too. I have asked some of my vintage contacts to keep an eye out for me too, 2017 will be the year I finally own a fringed jacket!
- Glamorous Rust fringed jacket, its suedette and not lined but I love the 70s vibe of this one. £27
- Hendrix Black Fringed Biker Jacket via ASOS marketplace. The fringing is too long- I could trim it I guess? £58
- Alice & You PU Tassle Jacket via Simply Be is a bit different but maybe a chicer version at £41
- Sandra Fringed Jacket via Shores. Slightly cropped in shape so not sure it’d suit my tallness! £55
susan earlam 
This jacket is so you, I can see it styled on you already.
That Free People one is perfect, I shall keep an eye out on my travels xxx
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Argh thanks love!! I love it so much!
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You know I’ve never worn a fringed jacket but they look like so much fun to walk around in!
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Hell yeah! Thanks for stopping by!
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Ooh love a bit of fringing, i’ve been on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket for years!
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I love option 4,I’m far to scared to tassel. Would look really cool on you though!
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Finding the perfect leather jacket is the holy grail! It’s a timeless classic 🙂
Can totally see you in a fringed number Sus – good luck with your search! xx
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Love this post Sus! Right up my street. I love fringe. I’ve got a pair of fringed winter boots which have completely worn through the sole but I can’t bear to throw them out haha
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You are making me want a fringed jacket now!
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Totally love the red fringes jacket *swoon* I also saw a denim one on Asos which I’m secretly after
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I love number 3! You HAVE to treat yourself to one, as it’s a life long desire.. xx
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*sigh* I’m hoping the one with the stars will go in the sale!
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Love these!!! Do you know the painted leather jackets from Laurie lee? They are so cool
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Yes I have! Thanks for stopping by Kirsty x
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Loving your choices….. and OOOh how I love free people too, but they are a little expensive I agree.I did have a fringe Jacket back in the 80;s and wish i still had it now I’ve seen this post
So rock n’roll as I suspect you are too Mrs E!? xx
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Hehe- I’m defo going back that way!
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The ASOS one is stunning. In fact I love them all! x
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The one with the stars – amazing! Very rock and roll. xx
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Maybe it’ll go in the sale!
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I didn’t even think I liked fringed jackets until I read this post and now I NEED that rust one!! X
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haha! ooops sorry! Let me know if you get it x
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